Falmouth, Jamaica
A Georgian port town, bamboo rafts on the Martha Brae and Jamaica’s famous waterfalls within reach. Here’s how to make one day ashore count.
Jamaica’s north coast, made easy
Falmouth was one of Jamaica’s busiest ports in the sugar era, and its grid of Georgian streets is among the best-preserved in the Caribbean. Its cruise port, opened in 2011 and built for the largest ships, is a gateway to Jamaica’s north coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios: rivers for rafting and tubing close by, rum estates in the cane country and the famous waterfalls a longer drive east.
Hurricane Melissa hit western Jamaica hard in October 2025, and Falmouth itself was badly damaged. The cruise port reopened in December 2025 and the town is rebuilding. Excursions to the rivers, falls and rum estates are running again, but some sites around town may still be under repair, so check with your advisor before you sail.
Where you’ll dock
Every ship docks at the same pier, so there’s no guessing which one is yours.
Historic Falmouth Cruise Port
A two-berth pier that can handle two of the world’s largest ships at once, opened in 2011 as a joint project of Royal Caribbean and the Port Authority of Jamaica. The gated port area has shops, bars and the meeting points for shore excursions, and the historic town begins just outside the gates.
Used by: Celebrity, Disney, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean.
Excursions we’d book
Hand-picked shore excursions from local operators, bookable through our partner Project Expedition. Every tour here carries Project Expedition’s Back to Ship Guarantee. Prices are per person and can change; check the live price when you book.
River Rapids Jungle Tubing Adventure from Falmouth
Float the Rio Bueno through the rainforest, then steer through Class II rapids with a guide, with a rope swing and jumping dock along the way. Guests must be 8 or older.
View on Project ExpeditionFalmouth Excursion: Blue Hole Tour
A rainforest hike to the Blue Hole, also called Secret Falls, in the hills above Ocho Rios, with rope swings and jumps into turquoise pools. It’s rated difficult and is a long drive from Falmouth, so you’ll want good fitness and water confidence.
View on Project ExpeditionIrie Blue Hole & Jungle River Tubing Adventure Tour from Falmouth
The waterfalls and swimming holes of Island Gully Falls in the hills of St. Ann, followed by a gentle jungle river tubing ride. Pickup at the cruise port.
View on Project ExpeditionThe Back to Ship Guarantee and refunds if your ship skips Falmouth are covered by Project Expedition’s shore excursion terms. Your advisor can walk you through them.
Cruise line favorites
Book these in your cruise planner. Ship-sold tours cost a bit more, but the ship waits for you if the tour runs late.
- Dunn’s River Falls. The classic Jamaica climb near Ocho Rios. It’s a long drive from Falmouth, which makes it a good one to book through your cruise line so the ship waits.
- Martha Brae rafting. Bamboo rafts on a calm river just outside Falmouth, often paired with a stop at a great house or a beach.
- Great houses. Rose Hall and Greenwood, plantation-era great houses between Falmouth and Montego Bay, with guided tours that cover their history.
- Zip lines, ATVs & horses. Adventure parks near Falmouth and Montego Bay combine zip lines, ATV trails and horseback rides, some ending with a swim in the sea.
Exploring without a tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? These are the highlights to know, wherever your day takes you. Keep an eye on the clock.
Historic Falmouth
Georgian streets laid out in the 1700s, St. Peter’s Anglican Church from 1795 and the Albert George market building from 1895. Some buildings were damaged by Hurricane Melissa and are being repaired.
The port village
Shops, bars and a Jamaican welcome are a short walk from the pier, inside the gated port area. Good for a relaxed few hours and an easy return to the ship.
Martha Brae & the cane country
Just inland, the Martha Brae River winds through green hills, and the cane fields of Trelawny are home to historic rum estates like Hampden. Both are best seen on a guided tour.
Before you go ashore
- All-aboard is firm. If you book independently, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Ships do leave without late guests.
- Jamaica is rebuilding. The port and most tours are running after Hurricane Melissa, but some local sites may be closed or look different. Your advisor can share the latest.
- The famous falls are far. Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole are near Ocho Rios, a long drive each way. Book through your cruise line, or choose a tour with plenty of time built in.
- The Luminous Lagoon glows after dark. The glowing water near Falmouth only shows at night, so it rarely fits a port day unless your ship stays late.
- Vendors are persistent. Expect vendors and hair braiders near the port gates. A polite, firm “no, thank you” works.
Sailing to Falmouth
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